Trade partner
U.S. Imports
$3.1M
August 2026
U.S. Exports
$243K
August 2026
Trade deficit
$2.9M
August 2026 · U.S. imports more than it exports
In August 2026 the United States imported $3.1M from Vanuatu and exported $243K to it, across 23 imported product categories.
Over the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $20.0M from Vanuatu and exported $8.9M to it. In August 2026, the U.S. ran a monthly goods trade deficit of $2.9M with Vanuatu, importing 12.9× as much as it exported. U.S. goods imports from Vanuatu of $3.1M in August 2026 ran 103% above the year-to-date monthly average of $1.5M.
Vanuatu's exports to the US are modest in volume and concentrated in kava root and kava-derived products, beef, timber, and cocoa. Kava imports occupy a distinctive regulatory space: FDA has historically flagged kava-containing dietary supplements for safety concerns, and importers must ensure that kava products comply with FDA labeling and dietary supplement regulations under DSHEA. Beef exports from Vanuatu are subject to USDA FSIS inspection requirements, and the exporting establishment must hold FSIS approval before shipments can enter US commerce.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Kava products marketed as dietary supplements fall under FDA's Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) framework. Importers must ensure products are not adulterated or misbranded, that labeling meets FDA requirements, and that no unauthorized health claims are made. FDA has issued consumer advisories about kava and liver toxicity, so importers should be prepared for heightened scrutiny at the port of entry. Consulting a regulatory attorney familiar with dietary supplement imports is strongly advisable.
Yes. Vanuatu must be on USDA FSIS's list of countries eligible to export meat to the US, and individual establishments must be FSIS-approved. Shipments are subject to reinspection at the US port of entry. Importers should confirm current FSIS eligibility status for Vanuatu and the specific exporting establishment before executing purchase contracts, as eligibility can change following FSIS audits.
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The top U.S. imports from Vanuatu are Medicinal & Aromatic Plants and Parts — Fresh or Dried, Edible Vegetable Products & Fruit Stones/Kernels and US-Origin Articles Exported & Returned Without Advancement, by value in the latest month.
| Rank | Product | Import value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.9M | |
| 2 | $132K | |
| 3 | US-Origin Articles Exported & Returned Without AdvancementChapter 98 · Special Classification Provisions | $40K |
| 4 | $15K | |
| 5 | Estimated Imports of Low-Valued TransactionsChapter 99 · Special Import Reporting Provisions | $5K |
| 6 | $0 | |
| 7 | $0 | |
| 8 | $0 | |
| 9 | $0 | |
| 10 | $0 |
| $57K |
| 4 | $31K |
| 5 | $6K |
| 6 | $5K |
| 7 | $3K |
| 8 | $3K |
| 9 | $0 |
| 10 | $0 |
Annual data from BEA | 2025
Services Exports
$10.0M
Services Imports
$5.0M